Niagara University First Responders Disability Awareness Training

Mother Cabrini Health Foundation grant to train New York State Probation Officers
Hospitality Disability Awareness Training launched in Niagara Falls: "Great Presentation. I learned a lot. Would love to have my kids sit through this."
Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council funds Year Four for Emergency Management Disability Awareness Training
Project Director/Law Enforcement Master Trainer present to 180 CIT conference attendees
Project Director David Whalen accepts invitation to New York Governor's ADA celebration
NU DAT receives Mother Cabrini Health Foundation grant for Erie County (NY) Probation Officer Disability Awareness Training
NU and Community Services for Every1 Launch Law Enforcement Domestic Violence Developmental Disabilities Training
NYS Division of Criminal Justice services extends training contract for 2023-24 11th year working with Niagara University
Project Director working with Autism Society of America as strategic consultant to develop Autism Law Enforcement Training
NU Emergency Management receives three year grant from Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council

Williams Syndrome

Williams Syndrome is a genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone.
It is characterized by medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities. These occur side by side with striking verbal abilities, highly social personalities, and an affinity for music.
Williams Syndrome affects 1 in 10,000 people worldwide – an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 people in the U.S. It is known to occur equally in males and females in every culture.

Signs & Symptoms:

Facial features
- Small upturned nose
- Long upper lip
- Wide mouth
- Full lips
- Small chin
- Puffiness around the eyes
Excessively social personality
Developmental or learning disabilities
Attention deficit disorder/short attention span
Sensitive hearing
No fear of strangers
Prefers adults over peers
Poor balance and motor skills

Other Complications & Considerations:

Difficulty with spatial awareness, numbers, and abstract reasoning
Inability to process nuanced social cues
Hernias
Musculoskeletal problems
Dental abnormalities
Hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels)